As I reflect back upon this course, 5301 Research, I am thankful that I have had the opportunity to attend this course! I have learned so much and am already growing as an educator that leads. The lectures that I have viewed by Dr. Jenkins, Dr. Arterbury, Dr. Abshire and especially the videos of Dr. Briseno, Dr. Chargois, and Dr. Lewis have enriched my studies. I especially enjoyed the advice Dr. Lewis extended to us explaining that our research doesn’t have to be fu-fu and glitzy! It should be practical and be something that we personally have a desire to learn more about. Dr. Chargois’ video inspired me due to the fact he stated that any research you do must always lead back to helping our students achieve more.
The
readings, electronic searches of topics, assignments and activities have all
been enjoyable as I have learned something new with all of them. I will keep the books, Leading with Passion and Knowledge, The Principal as Action Researcher
by N.F. Dana and Examining What We Do to
Improve Our Schools, 8 Steps from Analysis to Action by S. Harris, S.
Edmonson, and J. Combs in my professional library as I work towards becoming an
administrator. They are books I can
share with my staff as I am now beginning to see the broader picture of the
responsibilities of an administrator from reading these books. The strategies introduced with the “Harris”
book seem so straight forward and highly beneficial. I especially liked the Delphi method as a
tool for developing a deeper understanding and a great strategy for identifying
ways to improve school needs. Using this
method, the participants are encouraged to reconsider and revise their answers
in light of the collection of information from other members of the group. The involvement of the people who would be
affected by a new decision or change are the very ones who implement this
strategy. As I become a school leader,
these processes towards improvement of a school is vital! The course assignments helped me reflect upon
the learning found in these books that I have mentioned above. The reflections in the assignments helped me prioritize
the learning and how to apply it. As I
still have a lot to learn in my Master’s program, I will learn so much with my
action research. I will remember that
the Leadership and Research courses set the beginning building blocks for my
program. Again, I am thankful that I
have had the opportunity to learn so much through these two courses.
When
I reflect upon the new friendships I have encounter on this journey towards new
knowledge a smile enters my face. Even
though I have not met anyone personally, I feel a sense of bonding with them as
we are all on the same journey. The
group discussions have helped me understand the assignments, readings and
pushed my expectations to do more than what I thought I could. The feedback and encouragement from the
discussion board and the blogs have been helpful in my growth. I had never developed a blog before and with
the Research course, I now have my own blog.
The comments that others have shared with me regarding my research have
helped me to rethink my ideas. Being
able to read their blogs, lends a comparison that helps me understand the
concepts better. For them to share their
learning and feelings, it has helped me gain courage and insight within my own
learning. I look forward to leading
others and helping my staff be the best teachers possible. Our children deserve nothing but the
best. They have one chance to be in
school and those school years will help define who they are and who they will
become. We, as leaders, must accept the
challenge and be willing to change, grow and nurture them with all that we
have. I am excited to be part of this
and look forward to becoming an administrator some day! I am thankful that I have this opportunity for
others to affect my life and I hope that I have affected the lives of others!
